Gleim vs HOCK CMA: which should you buy?
Last checked October 20, 2026 · Sources: Gleim’s CMA review pages (prices as reported); HOCK’s CMA membership page ($119.99 a month regular price); IMA for the case-based format. Break-even figures are our arithmetic. Ratings are our editorial assessment from published details, not hands-on tests.
Gleim vs HOCK CMA is a choice between the two opposite ways of paying for CMA prep. Gleim costs more upfront ($1,499 Traditional or $1,799 Premium, reported) but Premium never expires until you pass. HOCK charges $119.99 a month at its regular price and rewards you for finishing quickly. By our arithmetic, HOCK costs less than Gleim Traditional if you finish within 12 months, and less than Gleim Premium within 14.
Your timeline is long or unpredictable, you might need a retake, or you want the most case-based practice.
Gleim CMA reviewYou can commit to a few months of focused study and want the lowest total if all goes to plan.
HOCK CMA reviewGleim vs HOCK CMA side by side
| Gleim | HOCK | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.1 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
| How you pay | Once: $1,499 to $1,799 list | Monthly: $119.99 (regular price) |
| Access | Until you pass, on Premium | While you subscribe |
| Video | Premium only | Included |
| Case-based practice | 120+ questions listed | Case-based questions in an exam-style interface |
| Mock exams | Practice tests in both courses | 6 full mock exams (3 per part) |
| Structure | Self-paced with adaptive practice | Topic-by-topic PassMap with AI support |
| Guarantee | Refund if you follow its steps, don’t pass and aren’t satisfied | None advertised |
| Try first | Free trial | Free membership with the first units of each part |
| Risk if you go slow | None | Monthly charges keep adding up |
Gleim prices as reported; HOCK from its own membership page. October 2026.
When HOCK is cheaper: the break-even
| Months on HOCK | HOCK total | vs Gleim Traditional ($1,499) | vs Gleim Premium ($1,799) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | $719.94 | HOCK cheaper | HOCK cheaper |
| 12 | $1,439.88 | HOCK cheaper | HOCK cheaper |
| 13 | $1,559.87 | Gleim cheaper | HOCK cheaper |
| 14 | $1,679.86 | Gleim cheaper | HOCK cheaper |
| 15 | $1,799.85 | Gleim cheaper | Gleim cheaper |
Our arithmetic at HOCK’s $119.99 regular monthly price and Gleim’s reported list prices. Discounts on either side change the result.
The bottom line
Be honest about your pace. If you will realistically finish both parts within six months or so, HOCK is likely to cost much less, and it stays cheaper on paper for over a year. IMA says the typical candidate takes 12 to 18 months, though, so if there is any real chance of a busy year, a failed part or a long gap, Gleim Premium’s one-off price caps your cost.
Common questions about Gleim vs HOCK
Which is cheaper, Gleim or HOCK?
HOCK, if you study fast: at $119.99 a month it costs less than Gleim Traditional within 12 months and less than Gleim Premium within 14, by our arithmetic. Past that, Gleim’s one-off price is cheaper.
Which is better if I might need a retake?
Gleim Premium: access lasts until you pass. HOCK lasts only while you keep paying.
Can I try both for free?
Yes. Gleim has a free trial, and HOCK has a free membership with the first units of each part.
Is this comparison sponsored?
No. We earn no commission from either provider.